Awareness and Practices Regarding Prevention of Physical, Emotional and Sexual Abuse Among Parents of School Children: An Observational Study
2 Professor cum Principal, Institute of Nursing Sciences and Research, Malabar Cancer Centre, Thalassery, Kerala
3 Associate Professor, M.O.S.C College of Nursing, Kolenchery, Ernakulam, Kerala
Abstract
Introduction. Child abuse — physical, emotional, and sexual — remains a major global public health concern, with the WHO estimating that up to one billion children experience some form of violence each year. Parents play a central role in prevention, yet many lack sufficient awareness of its forms and warning signs.
Methods. This cross-sectional observational study surveyed 224 parents of school-going children in Thrissur district, Kerala, using a baseline data sheet, a validated awareness questionnaire, and a structured practice checklist.
Results. Most parents (75.4%) showed moderate awareness of child abuse prevention, while the majority (78.1%) showed poor preventive practice. A mild positive correlation was found between awareness and practice (r = 0.45, p < 0.001), and both awareness and practice were significantly associated with parental age and prior exposure to child protection training.
Conclusion. Targeted awareness and training interventions for parents could meaningfully improve preventive practices around child abuse.
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The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
